FAQs

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.

Apply NO EARLIER than January 1 for financial aid for the next school year. You may apply after that date but should complete your financial aid file by your last day of enrollment to ensure payment eligibility. REMEMBER! The earlier you apply and complete your file, the sooner you could be paid.
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What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
About 2-4 weeks after you submit the FAFSA online you will be mailed a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of the information you provided on the FAFSA. (If you don't receive a SAR within 6 weeks, phone the processor at (319) 337-5665.) You will be notified by AHC by logging into myHancock of what is needed to complete your Financial Aid file. When all requested documents are received, and information is confirmed, you will receive an award notification posted on myHancock  indicating your financial aid eligibility with payment information. The entire process takes approximately 8-10 weeks.

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What is Allan Hancock College's Title IV code?
AHC's TITLE IV Code is 001111
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Are tax forms submitted to AHC or to the FAFSA processor?
DO NOT submit tax forms with your FAFSA. If tax information is needed, it will be requested by the Financial Aid Office.
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What financial aid programs are covered by the FAFSA?
You will be considered for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver, and Federal Work Study (FWS). The FAFSA is also used to determine your eligibility for Cal Grants (if the GPA verification and FAFSA are mailed by March 2 for the next academic year). To be considered for loan eligibility, the FAFSA is also required.
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Do I have to submit a FAFSA if I want to apply for a Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver and/or scholarships?
There are separate applications (and deadlines) for these programs. Submitting a FAFSA may determine your eligibility for the BOG or a separate BOG application may be used. Applying for scholarships is a separate process which is not dependent on submitting the FAFSA.

The deadlines for these programs are:

BOG Fee Waiver - No deadline EXCEPT for REIMBURSEMENT if you paid your fees prior to eligibility determination. There can be no reimbursements for the semester after the last day of instruction.

Scholarships Applications - The General Scholarship Application is usually online at www.hancockcollege.edu,  each fall for the FOLLOWING academic year. Additional scholarships are offered throughout the year and are announced in the AHC BULLETIN which is posted in various campus locations including the Financial Aid Office. 
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What if I have questions or problems filling out the FAFSA?
Complete as much of the pre-application worksheet as possible. If you still have questions or problems bring it in or call us so we can help you. You should have tax forms and income information available (and parent's information if you are considered a dependent).
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Why is federal financial aid based on both my parents' and my income if I don't live with them?
Where you live does not determine independence. If you do not meet the INDEPENDENT criteria which has been determined by Federal Regulations, both incomes must be used to determine your financial aid eligibility. If you are unsure as to whether you are considered an INDEPENDENT student, refer to the 'Student Status' section of the FAFSA.
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Why is financial aid not based on current income?
Using a prior year's financial information allows us to accurately verify an entire year's income.
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What if my circumstances have changed?
You must complete the FAFSA using last year's accurate income information. After you receive your Student Air Report (SAR) you may request an appointment with your AHC Financial Aid Technician  to review your situation. Documentation of your changed circumstances will be required before your financial aid eligibility can be recalculated.
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How much financial aid can I receive once my file is complete, and how is my eligibility determined?
There are varying levels of eligibility. Your award notification will be posted on myHancock notifying you of your award amounts. The information you provided on the FAFSA is processed through a series of calculations standardized by the federal government. The result is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is on your SAR. This, along with your enrollment status, will determine the amount of your financial aid.
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Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid may vary. Some students are eligible while enrolled less than half time and others are not eligible unless enrolled full time. (BOG Fee Waivers are available for any level of enrollment if you are considered a California resident and meet eligibility requirements.)
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How many units are considered full time for financial aid?
12 or more units: Full time
9-11 units: 3/4 time
6-8 units: 1/2 time
(Less than 6 units may be eligible for funding in certain cases.)
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What happens if I drop a class/es?
If you are receiving any financial aid other than a Board of Governor's fee waiver (BOG), dropping classes could result in the student repaying federal funds already received or could reduce future financial aid funding.  It is recommended that you contact the financial aid office before dropping classes.
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Why do I have to fill out so many forms?
We have tried to eliminate as much paperwork as possible while still complying with the federal regulations. Some students need only one or two forms to complete their file while others may need several. It is to your advantage to complete and return all forms promptly.
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Do I reapply for financial aid every year?
YES! You MUST reapply by submitting a FAFSA  for each academic year. You should apply as early as possible but not before January 1 for the following academic year.
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What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Federal financial aid regulations require that a school establish satisfactory academic progress standards for students applying for, or receiving financial aid. These regulations require that the financial aid office review all periods of a student’s enrollment history, regardless of whether financial aid was received, to determine if a student is making academic progress towards an educational goal... (See the SAP Policy PDF)
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How do I check my financial aid status?
Your financial aid status can be checked online through myHancock.  (See Instructions PDF)
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Where do I get information about Higher One and AHC bulldog card?
Allan Hancock College has partnered with Higher One, a refund management company, to disburse your fee refunds, financial aid and scholarships to you as quickly as possible.  For information about the AHC bulldog card click here.